Parsons builds another Footbridge in Panama with Bridges to Prosperity

Parsons builds another Footbridge in Panama with Bridges to Prosperity

Parsons, in partnership with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), recently sent an 11-member team to Banacito, Panama, a small community of 700 people approximately 190 km outside of Panama City to build a 106-m suspension footbridge over the Rio Toabre. This year’s bridge build was over twice the length of last year’s bridge.

“The experience of working shoulder to shoulder with the many dozens of community members who helped every day was both humbling and gratifying,” said Steven Nicaise, Parsons Vice President and Project Manager of the build. “They applied their skills to help solve the challenges we faced moving heavy loads across the river and building the bridge.”

Parsons’ multinational team camped on site from June 2 to 17, 2018, and worked to construct the bridge, which now provides the community with year-round access to schools, government and medical services, and markets—all of which were unreachable when the river was swollen. The Parsons team included project managers, engineers, and safety specialists.

The Banacito footbridge marks Parsons’ third B2P bridge-building project and second project in Panama. The corporation has been involved with B2P since 2015, providing design engineering services, construction support, support for training programs, and leadership on the B2P Board of Directors. Elie Homsi, PE, Senior Vice President and Parsons Fellow, currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of B2P’s Board.

“We’re honoured to work with Bridges to Prosperity to help build another much-needed bridge for a rural community,” said Chuck Harrington, Parsons’ Chairman and CEO. “This project is one of the countless ways our employees selflessly devote their time and expertise to make a difference in the lives of others around the world. We’re happy to support their efforts through projects like this as part of our Parsons Gives Back program, a key element of our mission to deliver a better world.”